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Birla Cellulose, a leader in sustainable fiber solutions, hosted the second edition of its hub-meet at The Residency, Karur, on August 30, 2024. The event, attended by 110 key exporters and company owners from Karur, highlighted the impact of sustainable Man-Made Cellulosic Fibers (MMCF) in the Home Textiles sector.
The hub-meet concentrated on integrating sustainable MMCF solutions into home textiles, aiming to produce eco-friendly, high-quality products that meet modern sustainability standards. Key attendees included Gopal Krishnan, President of the Karur Textile Manufacturer Exporters Association; Velusamy, Assistant Director of the Textile Committee; Perumal, Managing Director of South Indian Textiles; and Kaliappan, Managing Director of Anboli Fabrics.
Notable value chain partners such as AGT Mills, PKPN, Kumaran, Sutlej Textiles, and Kumaraguru Mills demonstrated their commitment to sustainable practices. A significant highlight was the interest in Birla Cellulose’s flagship product, Spunshades, known for its Colour Lock Technology that prevents fabric fading through embedded dye pigments.
Gopal Krishnan expressed enthusiasm for incorporating Birla Cellulose’s fibers into Karur's home textiles sector, valued at approximately Rs 9000 crore Kaliappan praised the detailed presentation on fiber applications, while T Murugan, President Global Head, Business Development at Birla Cellulose, expressed gratitude for the positive response and anticipation for the future of sustainable home textiles.
The current edition Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics trade fair featured a critical session on Aug 27, 2024 on the European Green Deal and its far-reaching consequences for the global textile industry. Speakers from various sectors shared insights into the deal's potential impact and the practical measures businesses can adopt to adapt.
The speakers included Francois Souchet, MD, Swanstant, Marie-Emmanuelle Belzung, Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp, Simon Chen, Greater China Regional Lead, TextileGenesis, Pierre-Francois LelLouet, Co-President, Union Francaise des industries Mode &Habillement and session was moderated by Fabien Pacory, Vice President, CCI France Chine
Key Takeaways:
• EU Regulations Driving Change: Francois Souchet emphasized the EU's push for accountability and transparency through a series of regulations addressing waste reduction, ethical sourcing, and chemical management, compelling brands to rethink their practices.
• Traceability and Technology: The vital role of technology, including blockchain, in ensuring traceability and transparency was underscored. The importance of verified certifications and data sharing among brands and producers was discussed.
• Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage: The conference emphasized that sustainability should be seen as a competitive advantage, encouraging companies to embrace eco-friendly practices proactively.
• Global Perspectives: The discussions shed light on differing approaches to sustainability between regions, noting a perception of proactive environmental initiatives in China while the EU leads with strict regulations.
Session Highlights:
Olaf Schmidt, Vice President of Messe Frankfurt, emphasized the significance of Messe Frankfurt's 'Expertise Ecology' initiative in providing platforms for knowledge exchange and collaboration on sustainable practices. He highlighted the growing importance of sustainability, particularly in light of the European Union's policies and regulations.
The session, titled "A Green Revolution is Coming: What Does the European Green Deal Mean for the Textile Industry and What Can Your Business Do to Adapt?", opened with moderator Fabien Pacory underscoring the Green Deal's overarching goal of achieving climate neutrality in Europe by 2050. He added, "The European Green Deal is a game-changer for the textile industry. It's no longer about incremental improvements; it's about a fundamental shift toward sustainability."
"We need to move away from the linear 'take-make-dispose' model and adopt strategies that prioritize reuse, repair, and recycling of textile products."Emphasized Francois Souchet Pierre-Francois LelLouet, Co-President, Union Francaise des industries Mode &Habillement, detailed the EU's comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at reducing the industry's environmental impact and increasing accountability. He emphasized the necessity for greater transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain."Textile production accounts for a significant percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption. The Green Deal aims to drastically reduce these figures", he added.
Marie-Emmanuelle Belasng, Delegate General of the European Alliance for Flax and Hemp, showcased the potential of European flax as a sustainable and premium fibre. She underscored the importance of traceability and transparency through certifications and blockchain technology.
Industry Transformation Underway:
The session showcased a textile industry undergoing a profound transformation, prioritizing data management, collaboration, and strategic partnerships to navigate the complexities of the European Green Deal. The focus on traceability and the integration of technology is also reshaping job roles and processes.
Call for Collective Action:
The Green Revolution session served as a stark reminder of the pressing need for the textile industry to adapt. Businesses are urged to view sustainability as a strategic opportunity to drive innovation, enhance their brand image, and contribute to a greener future. While the challenges are significant, the potential benefits for businesses, the environment, and society are immense. As the Green Deal sets the stage for a greener revolution, the textile industry has a crucial role to play in shaping a more sustainable world.
ITMA ASIA + CITME, set for October 14–19 in Shanghai, will feature strong participation from 49 VDMA member companies, marking the largest foreign presence at the fair. These German exhibitors represent nearly all machinery segments, with a focus on spinning, manmade fibers, nonwovens, weaving, braiding, knitting, finishing, dyeing, and textile processing.
Under the theme "smart technologies for green textile production," VDMA members aim to minimize carbon dioxide emissions and resource consumption in the textile value chain. Their advanced technologies target savings in materials, water, energy, and chemicals.
Harald Weber, Managing Director of VDMA Textile Machinery Association, emphasized the importance of this year’s participation, noting the challenging economic climate and the sector's need for a restart. He highlighted the critical role ITMA ASIA plays in fostering collaboration between machinery manufacturers and textile producers.
In 2024, about €580 million worth of German textile machinery was exported to Asia, a 25 per cent drop from 2023. China remains the largest market, with €240 million in exports, followed by India, Bangladesh, and other key Asian nations.
The VDMA team in Shanghai, supported by colleagues from Germany and China, is ready to assist exhibiting companies at the event.
The 11th edition of Gartex Texprocess India, held for the first time at the state-of-the-art Yasho bhoomi expo center in New Delhi, was a resounding success. Attracting B2B visitors from 311 Indian cities and 29 countries, the event showcased a diverse mix of professionals from the textile value chain. The visitor profile included apparel brands, export houses, garment manufacturers, boutique owners, buying houses, design studios, and textile mills, all contributing to a rich and varied exchange of ideas and business opportunities.
Showcase of innovations
The exhibition featured an impressive array of textile technology and product solutions. Highlights included advanced garment and textile manufacturing machinery, a variety of denim apparel production solutions, fabrics, trims, accessories, and cutting-edge digital and screen-printing technologies. The high level of enthusiasm from both exhibitors and visitors was evident, with crowded booths and aisles throughout the event.
Positive feedback from exhibitors
Exhibitors expressed high levels of satisfaction with the show. Mukund Agarwal, Business Head of Baba Textile Machinery, praised the platform for allowing the debut of their latest high-speed embroidery machines and innovative coding devices. He expressed eagerness to participate in future editions. Similarly, Vanraj Vanawala of SP Laces, a first-time participant, found the event valuable for networking and learning, noting plans to attend the Mumbai edition in 2025.
Rahul Mahajan, Head of Sales and Marketing for Datatex Asia Pacific, reported a significant increase in footfall and inquiries compared to previous editions. He anticipates converting these leads into business opportunities. True Colors Group's General Manager, Pratik Mehta, commended the new venue and the show's role in enhancing their market presence. Pankaj Singh of Ginni International Ltd highlighted the event's strong footfalls and its importance in their continued participation.
Veteran exhibitor Chandrakant of Raymond UCO noted the event's value for interacting with customers and trade partners, showcasing new products, and receiving feedback. The show's successful format was acknowledged as beneficial for the industry.
Insights from industry experts
The event also featured Gartex Talks sessions, where industry experts discussed the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation on the Indian textile sector. Topics included the activewear revolution and sustainability in the industry. Aamir Akhtar, Group President and CEO of Jindal Worldwide Ltd, highlighted the fundamental shift towards organized retail in the Indian denim market and the industry's efforts to align with UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 12, focusing on responsible consumption and production.
Gartex Texprocess India is a key player in the textile manufacturing technology sector, with specialized zones for Fabrics and Trims Show, Screen Print India, and The Denim Show.
Jointly organized by MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd and Messe Frankfurt Trade Fair India Pvt Ltd, the next edition will take place from May 22-24, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. The event promises to continue fostering growth and innovation within the textile industry.
A global leader in innovative and sustainable fiber and technology solutions, The Lycra Company outlines its sustainability goals for 2030 besides showcasing latest advancements in sustainability through the ‘The Planet Agenda’ platform at the 63rd Dornbirn World Fiber Congress (GFC) in Austria. The event is being held from Sep 11-13, 2024 at the Kulturhaus in Dornbirn.
On September 11, Jean Hegedus, Director -Sustainable Business Development, The Lycra Company, delivered a joint presentation alongside Andrea Vanderh off, Director - Technology and Sustainability, Qore. Qore is a producer of the next-generation bio-based butanediol (BDO) Qira that is made from non-edible, renewable corn. The presentation focused on the development and commercialisation of the Lycra fiber made with Qira, a breakthrough in sustainable fiber technology.
Bio-derived BDO makes up 70 per cent of the new Lycra fiber, while the remaining 30 per cent comes from fossil-based MDI, which is combined with the bio-derived component to create the final fiber, says Hegedus.
This innovative fiber can be certified by independent bodies for its sustainability claims, ensuring transparency and accountability, adds Hegedus. It offers the same performance as the original Lycra fiber allowing customers to reduce environmental impact without compromising on the quality, he states further.
The bio-derived Lycra fiber made with Qira offers several key benefits. By utilizing corn as a raw material, the fiber preserves finite petroleum resources, using a renewable, annually sustainable alternative. Additionally, this new fiber will be available at a large scale, enabling significant reductions in environmental impact across products using Lycra fibers.
Furthermore, brands and retailers will not need to re-engineer fabrics, patterns, or processes, as the bio-derived Lycra fiber offers equivalent performance to its conventional counterpart. This ensures that manufacturers can adopt the fiber without making significant changes to production methods, making sustainability more accessible and efficient across the textile industry.
In another session, Alberto Ceria, Senior Applications Development Professional, and David Godshall, Senior R&D Scientist, The Lycra Company, demonstrated the company's efforts to develop circular solutions for spandex recycling.
Rieter Holding Ltd has announced that Rico Randegger, Head of the Business Group After Sales and a member of the Group Executive Committee, will step down from his role on December 31, 2024. The Board of Directors expressed gratitude for Randegger’s long-standing service and his key contributions to the growth of the After Sales business.
Effective January 1, 2025, Alexander A Ozbahadir will take over Randegger’s position, joining the Group Executive Committee. Ozbahadir brings extensive international experience, having held leadership roles at Jungheinrich Group, Schindler Management Ltd, and C Haushahn GmbH. His most recent role was Senior Vice President for Global Account Management Europe at Schindler Group, Ebikon, Switzerland.
The Board of Directors has praised Ozbahadir's experience and leadership in global sales and marketing, noting his diverse roles in Germany, China, and Switzerland. Ozbahadir, born in 1978, is a German citizen with a robust track record in strategic business development and acquisitions.
Rieter Holding Ltd. looks forward to leveraging his expertise to continue advancing the After Sales division's growth trajectory.
Open Lab, a pioneering initiative by HKRITA and the H&M Foundation, has won the International Collaboration Award at the 2024 International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) Awards. Launched on September 4, 2024, this is the first global recognition for Open Lab.
The ITMF award celebrates progress in international collaboration within the textile industry, aligning with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Open Lab’s focus on innovation and partnership exemplifies its commitment to sustainable transformation in fashion and textiles.
Teresa Yang, Chairman of HKRITA, highlighted Open Lab's role in fostering partnerships beyond the textile sector. Through collaborations, the initiative applies innovative technologies to real-world challenges. Christiane Dolva, Strategy Lead of H&M Foundation, emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful change across the global textile value chain.
Located at Hong Kong's Advanced Manufacturing Centre, Open Lab occupies 20,000 square feet and showcases over 80 sustainable projects. It features two key areas: the Pilot Plant, which includes the Green Machine 2.0 for large-scale textile recycling, and the Fashion Future Lab, focusing on early-stage solutions like “Farm-to-Garment.”
Supported by the Innovation and Technology Fund of Hong Kong and leading industry players, Open Lab is positioned to accelerate sustainable development and climate action in the fashion industry.
Leading denim manufacturer and exporter in Bangladesh, Envoy Textiles plans to establish a Waste Fabric Recycling Plant at its factory in Bhaluka, Mymensingh. Through this move, the company aims to increase its production capacity while meeting the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly textile production.
The total project is estimated to cost Tk 237.04 million, with 70 per cent of the funding coming from debt and 30 per cent from equity. The recycling plant is expected to be operational by the end of June next year.
The plant will process both local and in-house pre-industrial and post-consumer waste fabrics, converting them into high-quality recycled fiber. Once operational, it will reduce Envoy Textiles’ reliance on externally sourced waste cotton by producing recycled fiber in-house. This will not only boost the company’s operational profitability but also cater to growing buyer demand for environmentally responsible production practices.
The company emphasises, the project will strengthen its eco-friendly manufacturing credentials and enhance its competitiveness in the export market by reducing costs associated with external sourcing. The recycling plant is designed to process 12 tons of waste fabrics per day, with an impressive 98 per cent recovery rate, converting nearly all input material into reusable fiber.
Under favorable market conditions, the project is expected to generate around Tk 80 million in annual profits, further contributing to Envoy Textiles' bottom-line growth.
One of the largest denim manufacturers in the country, Envoy Textiles is also the first denim project in Bangladesh to utilize the rope-dye technology. The company’s commitment to sustainability is further highlighted by its recognition as the world’s first LEED-certified platinum factory, underscoring its leadership in eco-friendly textile manufacturing.
Uniqlo, a brand synonymous with quality basics and innovative fabrics, has taken the world by storm. Its journey from a small family-owned tailoring shop in Yamaguchi to a global retail giant with nearly 2,500 stores worldwide is nothing short of remarkable. Overlooking the picturesque Sumida River, Fast Retailing's headquarters in Tokyo's Ariake district stands as a testament to the company's incredible growth and its unwavering commitment to innovation.
Laying the foundation
Uniqlo was launched in 1972 when Tadashi Yanai, a 23-year-old with big dreams, took over his father's clothing chain, Ogori Shoji. Yanai had a vision to transform the business from selling men's suits to offering casual everyday wear. In 1984, he opened a new store in Hiroshima, named Unique Clothing Warehouse, which he later shortened to Uniqlo. "When I try something new, I know that I'm going to fail. I do not plan for success from the very first step. So I don't take these failures too seriously, I just take on the challenge," says Tadashi Yanai
The early years were not without their challenges. Uniqlo's first foray into the international market in 2001 with a store in London was a failure. The company had to close most of its stores in London by 2004 and faced similar challenges in Shanghai. These early failures underscored the importance of differentiation and understanding local market needs.
Global expansion with 'global is local, local is global' approach
The second wave of store openings in Europe, with flagship stores launching in London and Paris in 2007, marked a crucial turning point. Uniqlo adopted a ‘Global is local, local is global’ approach, tailoring its products and strategies to resonate with local consumers while maintaining a global brand identity.
Table: Store network across the world
|
Region |
Number of Uniqlo stores |
|
Japan |
808 |
|
Greater China |
942 |
|
Southeast Asia and Oceania |
478 |
|
South Asia |
13 |
|
North America |
61 |
|
Europe |
193 |
As of May 2024, Uniqlo boasts of a vast global network of 2,495 stores, with more stores outside Japan than within. For example, Uniqlo's success in China is a testament to its 'Global is local, local is global' approach. The brand has adapted its product offerings to suit Chinese consumers' preferences, offering larger sizes and styles that resonate with local tastes. Uniqlo has also leveraged e-commerce platforms like Tmall to reach a wider audience in China.
Similarly, Uniqlo entered India in 2019 and has been steadily expanding its presence. The brand currently operates 13 stores in India and has plans for further expansion. Uniqlo's focus on functional and high-quality products at affordable prices has resonated well with Indian consumers. As Yanai says, "We aim to become the number one apparel brand in India." Uniqlo India's financial performance too has been impressive, with a 31 per cent rise in turnover in FY24. The company reported operating revenue of Rs 814.85 crore and a net profit of Rs 85.31 crore in FY24.
Magic mantra: Customer-centric approach and innovation Uniqlo's customer-centric approach is at the heart of its success. The company places great emphasis on gathering and analyzing customer feedback to improve its products and innovate. Also, Uniqlo's success lies its LifeWear philosophy - creating high-quality, functional, and affordable clothing for everyone. This commitment to quality and customer satisfaction permeates every aspect of the business, from product development to supply chain management.
Uniqlo's collaboration with Toray Industries, a leading material manufacturer, has led to the development of innovative fabrics like Heattech, AIRism, and Ultra-Light Down. These technologies have revolutionized the way people dress, offering comfort and functionality in everyday clothing.
The fourth frontier
As Uniqlo celebrates its 40th anniversary, Yanai has outlined his vision for the future: "The Fourth Frontier: Challenge, Take Action, Achieve." This vision encompasses Uniqlo's commitment to tackling future challenges, embracing technological advancements, and evolving to meet the changing needs of consumers. Yanai has set ambitious targets for the company, aiming to achieve group revenue of ¥5 trillion within a few years and then doubling that to ¥10 trillion. India is expected to play a key role in achieving these goals. “We may or may not be successful in impressing customers always. But the mindset should always be to impress customers,” Yanai emphasizes.
As Uniqlo embarks on its next chapter, its focus on sustainability, technology, and customer satisfaction is poised to propel the brand to even greater heights in the years to come.
A landmark trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Pacific states is poised to significantly alter the dynamics of the textile and apparel industry in both regions. The interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA), which includes Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands, sets the stage for increased trade flows and deeper economic integration.
Key provisions of the IEPA
The IEPA focuses on establishing a free trade area, with a particular emphasis on sustainable development and supporting the integration of Pacific States into the global economy.
Tariff elimination: The EU grants 100 per cent duty-free and quota-free access to all imports from Pacific EPA countries, ensuring permanent and unrestricted access for all products. Pacific EPA countries are progressively phasing out duties on EU imports, with flexibility based on their development levels and sensitive sectors. Safeguard measures, such as import quotas or temporary reintroduction of duties, can be implemented under specific circumstances to protect domestic industries from import surges.
Rules of origin: The IEPA includes rules of origin to ensure that only products originating from the participating countries benefit from the preferential tariff treatment.
Trade facilitation: The agreement aims to simplify customs procedures and reduce trade barriers, facilitating smoother trade flows.
Sustainable development: The IEPA includes provisions on labor rights, environmental protection, and good governance, promoting sustainable trade practices.
Impact on the textile and apparel industry
The IEPA is expected to significantly boost the textile and apparel industry in both the EU and the Pacific States.
Primarily, it will give a boost to exports from Pacific States to the EU. The removal of tariffs and quotas will make textile and apparel products from the Pacific States more competitive in the EU market. This is likely to lead to a substantial increase in exports, creating new jobs and boosting economic growth in the region. The agreement is also likely to boost exports of high-quality, niche products from the Pacific, such as traditional handicrafts and sustainable textiles.
Table: Textile & Apparel Exports from Pacific to EU
|
Year |
Exports from Pacific to EU (in million $) |
% Change |
|
2022 (Pre-IEPA) |
50 |
- |
|
2023 (Post-IEPA) |
65 |
+30% |
|
2024 (Projected) |
80 |
+23% |
It will also result in improved access to raw materials. Pacific States' textile manufacturers will benefit from duty-free access to raw materials and intermediate goods from the EU, reducing production costs and enhancing competitiveness. The IEPA's favorable trade environment is expected to attract more investment in the textile and apparel sector in the Pacific States, further stimulating growth and development.
Table: Textile & Apparel Exports from EU to Pacific
|
Year |
Textile & Apparel Exports from EU to Pacific (in million $) |
% Change |
|
2022 (Pre-IEPA) |
200 |
- |
|
2023 (Post-IEPA) |
220 |
+10% |
|
2024 (Projected) |
250 |
+13.6% |
Overall the IEPA is expected to significantly boost trade in textiles and apparel between the EU and Pacific states. The agreement will likely lead to structural changes in the textile and apparel industries in both regions, with a focus on higher-value-added products and sustainable production methods. The IEPA has the potential to contribute to sustainable development in the Pacific, creating jobs and boosting economic growth.
